Just Desserts

When you can’t get enough chocolate, turn to something like the chocolate pudding cake, a delicious, chocolate-filled specialty at Local Color in Springville. The restaurant’s only open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and occasionally Thursdays and Sundays. Whenever you find ‘em open, the cake is worth the wait. Local Color Café, 5811 U.S. 11, Springville | 205-467-0334 | localcolorcafe.com

EDGAR’S BAKERY & CAFÉ LEMON BARS

You have many, many choices when it comes to dessert at Edgar’s, but sometimes you just want something more than a delicious piece of cake or a wonderful cookie. Next time you’re there, try a lemon bar, a sweet and tangy treat that might be the perfect end to your lunch. Of course, you can try one without lunch, too. Edgar’s Bakery & Café, various locations in the Birmingham area | edgarsbakery.com

DODIYOS’ BAKLAVA CHEESECAKECan’t decide between the baklava or the cheesecake? Never fear, the baklava cheesecake is here. It combines the best of both — the syrupy Greek treat and the smooth-as-silk, and rich as butter, cheesecake. Sure, you can get them separately, but why do that when you can combine them in one luscious dessert treat? DoDiYos, 1831 28th Ave. S., No. 110, Homewood | 205-453-9300 | dodiyos.com

BOTTEGA’S BOMBOLINIYou may have never heard of it, but don’t ignore the bombolini on Bottega’s dessert menu. The Italian treat, it turns out, is made up of sugared doughnuts and warm chocolate sauce, a great combination in any language. So, go ahead, trust us. Bombolini is the bomb. Bottega Restaurant and Café, 2240 Highland Ave. S. | 205-939-1000 | bottegarestaurant.com

NIKI’S WEST STEAK AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT’S BANANA PUDDINGYes, you can get banana pudding at any number of meat-and-threes in the Birmingham area, but Niki’s isn’t just any meat-and-three. Grab a bowl in line, and then sit down and enjoy big chunks of banana in a creamy pudding that’s darned near perfect. Niki’s West Steak and Seafood Restaurant, 233 Finley Ave. W. | 205-252-5751 | nikiswest.com

O’CARR’S PEANUT BUTTER MILKSHAKEIt won The Birmingham News’ search for the best milkshake a couple of years ago, and who are we to argue? “A tall glass of thick, creamy goodness,” is how one judge described it. There’s a reason it’s served with a spoon instead of a straw. You’re going to want to get every taste of the peanut butter and cool milkshake. O’Carr’s Restaurant, 2909 18th St. S., Homewood | 205-879-2196 | 3150 Cahaba Heights Village Road | 205-967-4173 | ocarrs.com